Knit One, Purl Two

“Knitting is very conducive to thought. It is nice to knit a while, put down the needles, write a while, then take up the sock again.”
—Dorothy Day (1897–1980, journalist and social activist)

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Window Display

The window displays at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio at 34 West 15th Street always stop me in my tracks. The great works of art, knitted from Lion Brand Yarn no doubt, captivate my attention. I am fascinated by the process, raising questions in my head. How long does the art take to create? Who does the knitting?

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Window Display, detail

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Window Display, detail

I admire the imagination that cooked up this display. To appropriate the iconic Rosie the Riveter poster for this admirable charity, Project Linus, was a stroke of brilliance. Rosie the Knitter is equally important today.

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Window Display, detail

The association makes perfect sense. Women using their muscle, not to defeat Hitler and the Nazis, but to care for children with the blankets they knit.